Llanthony Secunda Priory
a window on the past; a place for the present
Llanthony Secunda Priory is a 12th Century medieval Priory
A hidden Gem nestled between the village of Hempsted and Gloucester’s historic docks
Within our grounds you can discover medieval ruins and some of the earliest medieval and Tudor brickwork in the county. The Victorian Farmhouse, cattle pond, grassy lawns and veteran trees create a beautiful backdrop. Llanthony's restored listed buildings and lawns are now in daily use and available for weddings and venue hire.
With thanks to a re-formation Project, two main buildings dating from the 15th century have been restored and conserved and are now back in daily use. The grounds have been landscaped with new paths, benches, trees and plants, and welcomes an example of a medieval courtyard garden. Llanthony Secunda Priory formally opened on the 27th August 2018 following 19 months of restoration and conservation work.
Our Information Room is open Monday to Friday from 10am - 4pm for you to explore Llanthony's fascinating past. Visitors can also step inside our restored medieval buildings during our monthly Open Days (April- September) and take part in a guided tour to discover Llanthony Secunda's fascinating past. For more information on our opening times and private tours, contact us
Celebrate with us!
We are an idyllic destination for special Celebrations & Events
Whether you are planning your dream wedding, a special occasion or unique corporate function, we can play host to the event you’ve always dreamt of having.
We are a 12th Century medieval Priory, nestled between the village of Hempsted and Gloucester’s historic docks. Our accessible location offers a variety of accommodation options within easy walking distance. Within our grounds, you and your guests are afforded tranquillity and easy-access to the City and transport links. The Gloucester and Sharpness Canal is also on our doorstep, providing some truly unique photo opportunities.
The Lost Library of Llanthony
Watch the documentary now!
We're delighted to announce that the Lost Library of Llanthony is now available online! The fascinating documentary rediscover's a very special library of medieval manuscripts created by the scholars of Llanthony Secunda. To this day, the library is still considered one of the richest and best-documented medieval English book collections in the country.
This remarkable library is no longer in Gloucester but is scattered across the world, and this new documentary film traces the stories the books tell, how they were created, and how they survived almost certain destruction.
Our History
The Priory, one of several religious foundations in Gloucester, existed for 400 years. It owned properties and land both in Gloucester and the surrounding counties – as far afield as Ireland – churches, farms, fish weirs, quarries and manor houses.
Come in and visit where canons worked and lived; where royal visitors such as Henry VII came to stay.
Imagine how everything changed after the Dissolution of the Monasteries – the buildings and church taken down or used as farms and orchards; how the Civil War affected the Priory and when the industrial revolution took place, the canal was built and it was surrounded by railway lines and yards.
Hidden Archaeology
The church and cloisters have disappeared, buried underneath surrounding industry. There is always more to be discovered; illuminated manuscripts, hidden archaeology and fascinating stories of the people who have live here over the centuries.
Llanthony in medieval times was a “noble house……set about handsomely with pleasure gardens”, providing hospitality, learning and employment. Today, a miracle of survival, the Priory provides a great welcome for all, important once again to Gloucester and its community.
